illinois state museum

lbgreene

Trying to find parking was horrible. The website said there was a lot, but I never found it-everything required a permit. And most of the parking meters on the street didn't work. After finally getting in, it was small & quite basic. Maybe the mistake was visiting the fabulous Lincoln museum first? The gift shop was the most impressive part. We stayed maybe 30minutes. We are museum loving people, and this was a huge disappointment. Note: we did not go to the new play area as my child is older, so I am not commenting on that portion.

632kimberlym

I am so glad my husband and I went to this museum. I loved it. I will be sure to take my children this summer to view the museum, and to play in the children's area of the museum.

DouglasK787

We go to the museum for several reasons. Certainly their recent modernization of many permanent exhibits is to be hailed for its interactive and informative quality. But in addition to all that, there is a theater in the basement where we find interesting lectures and performances. This review is being written after a delightful afternoon with Walt Whitman while he recollected his encounters with President Lincoln and the poetry he wrote upon the death of our city's famed citizen. We have also heard traditional music in that same theater as well as film and talk. And as I always say about Springfield's public attractions, we thank taxpayers around the state for funding what we can visit so easily and often for free.

2again

I've taken classes here, I've taken my students here, I've taken my children and grandchildren here and it just keeps getting better. There are plenty of exhibits for all ages. Lots of hands on for those who don't want to read or can't read. Each floor is unique. Bathrooms are clean. Gift shop is pricey but very nice. Parking is tricky: I wish they had some free parking closer to the venue. No charge for museum, but they ask for a donation.

Sdanj

It has been about five years since my husband and I took our young grandson to the ISM. It was now time to take our granddaughter ~ who has reached the perfect age for a trip to the Discovery Room. Not only did the visit through the archeological-educational section provide new information for us, it also held the interest of a 3 1/2 year old! The Discovery Room is designed to encourage young visitors to experience the adventures of archeology through the art of play. Well done, Springfield! I feel the Museum is one of the city's gems!

Beachmama--0

The museum has free admission and is perfect to spend 2-3 hours. The first floor has many interactive exhibits. Some were just as great as the Field Museam in Chicago. The second floor was all about the history of IL and had an amazing scene of Native American life. The basement was a play area for children, perfect for ages 3 to 9. The staff was very friendly and interacted with you. There are no food and beverages allowed and none available for purchase. We parked on the street and on the weekends you do not have to feed the meters. With this currently being rated as the eighth attraction in Springfield I wasn't expecting it to be as great as it was. Especially with the cost of being free! There is also plenty of sitting available through out the museum if needed.

KristanM294

We are so lucky to have such a great cultural and historical resource! Such variety, such quality whether you are interested in history, art or natural history. Be sure to visit the Store, too. What a treasure.

PatrickJSpringfield

The sign out fromnt mentioned an art display that drew me in again. It was educational, interesting and gave me pause to understand how art is created. There was an area of set ups on how households looked over the decades from the late 1800's to the mid 1950's. There was an item from my youth that I have been thinking about and they had one on display. A very old toaster with flip sides. Gosh I wish I had one of those. It is not the MOMA, the Louvre or the Field Museum but it is free and pretty cool. The gift shop had about 60% neat kids stuf including a "Sock Hippo" like the monkeys but much bigger. I wish that I had more room. I donated money anayway because it was well worth it.

787billl

We visited with two 7 year olds and it was great. The staff were helpful, knowledgable and very pleasant. The exhibits are very interactive and enjoyable. We'll be back!

joeyh941

If you have kids or an out of town visitor, this is a great free spot (donations suggested). Close by the Capitol building. Pop by when you have an hour to check it out.

483bethh

Check out the Friday night music schedule. They usually have a food truck outside and drinks are sold indoors. The gift shop is open for business as well and they have beautiful art. Bad Wolf Pottery is made by a very talented local art professor. There are talented jewelry makers with pieces in there as well.

HenryH617

very interesting! and interactive for the kids!it had natural history , art and things about civilizations in the state from early Indians to the 1800's

DarleneC358

We visit this museum a couple of times a year. Admission is free and there is something for all ages. The exhibits are very interesting with lots to see. Many hands on and interpreted by hand sets located at the exhibits. A key card you keep lets you operate the handsets on all floors.There are elevators and escalators for visitor's convenience. Restrooms are conveniently located also. There is a Children's area downstairs to let the little ones explore and dress up. Learning while having fun. Dig for dinosaur bones is especially appealing to all ages. There is a gift shop on the premises but many items are pricey. It is a fun place to go and is stroller friendly.

AmyG866

Not many museums are free these days. We throughly enjoyed the Illinois State Museum. The children's museum in the basement were enjoyed by both my 10 and 1 year old. The art exhibit was exceptional.

STLIRISH

Good museum. Nicely laid out with easy to see and enjoy exhibits. Liked the layout and location. Nothing to dislike.